Definition

1. Noun:

   • The male parent of an animal, especially a domestic animal such as a horse or bull: "sire" refers specifically to the father in animal breeding contexts.
   • A title of respect used formerly to address a man of high rank or authority, such as a king or lord: "sire" was used as a formal term of address, similar to "Your Majesty" or "my lord."
   • A forefather or ancestor; the founder of a line: "sire" can refer to a male ancestor from whom a family or line descends.

2. Verb:

   • To beget or father offspring; to act as the male parent in procreation: "sire" means to father or produce young, used primarily for animals but sometimes for humans in a formal or literary context.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The champion racehorse's sire was also a famous winner. (The father of the champion racehorse was also a famous winner.)
  • "Your wish is my command, sire," the knight said to the king. ("Your wish is my command, my lord," the knight said to the king.)
  • He was proud to trace his lineage back to a noble sire. (He was proud to trace his lineage back to a noble ancestor.)

• Verb:

  • The prize-winning stallion has sired many successful foals. (The prize-winning stallion has fathered many successful foals.)
  • The legend says the hero sired a line of great warriors. (The legend says the hero fathered a line of great warriors.)

Advanced Usage

• "To stand at sire": In animal husbandry, this phrase refers to a male animal being available for breeding purposes.
  • The thoroughbred will stand at sire at the farm this season. (The thoroughbred will be available for breeding at the farm this season.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sired (verb, past tense): The act of having fathered offspring.
  • The dog was sired by a champion. (The dog was fathered by a champion.)
• Siring (verb, present participle/gerund): The act of fathering offspring.
  • The bull is capable of siring strong calves. (The bull is capable of fathering strong calves.)

Synonyms

• Noun (parent): Father, progenitor, begetter.
• Noun (title): Lord, sovereign, majesty.
• Verb: Beget, father, engender, procreate.

Related Phrases

• "By sire and dam": A phrase used in pedigrees to indicate lineage through both the father (sire) and mother (dam).
  • The puppy's pedigree is impressive by sire and dam. (The puppy's pedigree is impressive through both its father and mother.)

Related Idioms

• "The sins of the sire are visited upon the sons": A proverbial idiom meaning that children often suffer the consequences of their father's mistakes or wrongdoings.
  • He feared that his financial failures meant the sins of the sire are visited upon the sons. (He feared that his financial failures meant his children would suffer the consequences.)

Noun

1. male parent of an animal especially a domestic animal such as a horse
2. the founder of a family
   • keep the faith of our forefathers
3. a title of address formerly used for a man of rank and authority

Verb

1. make children
   • Abraham begot Isaac
   • Men often father children but don't recognize them